Fuji Shibazakura Festival, from to is a flower festival that takes place every year in Japan near Lake Motosuko. It is a popular attraction because people enjoy seeing the large fields of blooming shibazakura (moss pink, moss phlox, or lawn cherry). It grows along the edges of Mount Fuji and has a beautiful pink flower creating a spectacular landscape. The festival attracts thousands of tourists. This is because it provides a beautiful view that includes the flower fields and Mt. Fuji.
History of Fuji Shibazakura Festival
This floral festival takes place for about six weeks, although visiting is recommended from early to mid-May. There are over 800,000 shibazakura flowers on display during the festival, more than anywhere else around Tokyo. A striking landscape is created with pink moss, anemones, muscaris, and tulips. The scientific name for shibazakura is ‘Phlox subulata’. It is a creeping plant with vivid colors. The flowers bloom just after the cherry blossom trees from April to late May. It is a popular location for photographers due to its highly photogenic nature. It is the perfect contrast of pink flowers, the blue sky, and the majestic mountain.
The festival is a popular destination for people traveling through the Five Lakes area during spring. Lake Motosoku lies on a flat expanse, providing a breath-taking view of Mount Fuji in the background — even when its snowy top is covered with clouds. The grounds are expertly laid out with attractive features such as a small lake and a lookout point to captivate the eye of the visitor. Paths are made to be accessible to people with reduced mobility.
The event also includes a food festival that features a variety of Japanese dishes. Visitors can stop by at one of the many food stalls offering Japanese street food. Options include a special dish from Yamanashi Prefecture, with meat and noodles, and both local and national favorites such as fried rice, bean-paste buns, and dumplings. Some classic Japanese desserts are flavored with the sakura flower for the occasion.
Fuji Shibazakura Festival timeline
The earliest phlox is cultivated and sent from Virginia to Europe.
The green pheasant is the national bird of Japan.
Tokyo’s national tree is the Ginkgo biloba which is a deciduous tree reaching 30 meters in height.
The festival is held for the first time at Motosuko resort.
Fuji Shibazakura Festival FAQs
What is Tokyo’s national flower?
Cherry blossoms are the national flower of Japan. They are grown in many different parts of the country.
Why is the Fuji Shibazakura Festival important?
It is a pride of Japan that displays the country’s natural beauty. It highlights how beautiful an environment can look when it receives proper care.
Are Shibazakura and Cherry blossoms the same?
The two plants have similar characteristics but they are not the same. They both bloom in five petals and have vibrant pink colors.
Fuji Shibazakura Festival Activities
Attend the festival
The festival is held for a few weeks so you can find time to visit. There's nothing like enjoying an amazing view in person. Take plenty of photos to share online.
Get some flowers
It’s always pleasant having fresh flowers around because just looking at them makes you happy. Buy some of your favorite flowers and smile whenever you see them.
Learn about Japan
Do some research about the country that created such a beautiful environment. You may find some part of their culture you really like.
5 Interesting Facts About Shibazakura
It has other names
It is also called pink moss or lawn cherry as it resembles the cherry blossom.
It hails from the U.S.
This small ground-covering plant is native to the United States.
True colors
Apart from pink, it also comes in other shades including red, violet, purple, and white.
It is super popular
Moss moss is a very popular flower in Japan, especially during spring.
It is versatile
With its mat-forming habit and different shades, it can be grown as a lawn in different designs.
Why We Love Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Shibazakura grows quickly
The flowering plant grows quite quickly and starts blooming in early April. It is hardy and easily covers the grounds where it is planted.
There are several flower varieties
The festival grounds feature six varieties of the Shibazakura flower. They are called Autumn Rose, Mcdaniel’s Cushion, Scarlet Frame, Little Dot, Oakington Blue-Eyes, and Tama-no-Nagare.
The holiday is also a food festival
There is a lot of food available at the site of the festival. People can enjoy local Japanese dishes and drinks.
Fuji Shibazakura Festival dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | April 16 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | April 16 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | April 16 | Thursday |
| 2027 | April 16 | Friday |
| 2028 | April 16 | Sunday |
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